Okotoks area female hockey players got some golden advice.
Marie-Phillip Poulin, Meaghan Mikkelson and Natalie Spooner — all members of the 2014 gold-medal winning Canadian Olympic hockey team — along with Erin Ambrose, who is trying out for the 2018 team, were the guest speakers and coaches at the Okotoks Female Hockey Development camp Aug. 18.
“This is the fourth year I have been involved,” said Mikkelson, the lead facilitator for the camp. “The first year it was just a weekend camp and now has evolved to a full week camp.
“I see familiar faces coming back every year. I think that it speaks to the commitment of the girls and the female association has to the community of Okotoks.”
Mikkelson prepared the on-ice training, but none of the Olympians stepped on the ice because they were in the midst of a Calgary camp for the 2018 Games in South Korea.
They proved nearly as inspiring in sneakers as they are in skates, according to 15-year-old Mackenzie Halifax, who was attending her first OFHD camp.
“I think this is a great opportunity — I got a lot out of it,” said Halifax during a Q&A and autograph session with the Olympians. “One of the best things I got out of it is the mental aspect of hockey. The nutrition and the psychology class, it really showed me how, if you have a positive attitude in life, you can go further – not just for hockey but for everything.”
Halifax is entering her first year of Midget and her goal is to play for the AA Raiders.
The words of Olympian Mikkelson have inspired her.
Halifax said Mickkelson told her she did not play a high level of hockey as a younger girl.
“That showed me that I really can get to my goals if I really work towards it,” Halifax said. “It kind of changed my outlook.”
Poulin had a life-changing moment when she scored a pair of goals that will go down in Canadian history with the likes of Paul Henderson’s in 1972, Mario Lemieux in 1987 and Sidney Crosby in 2010.
Poulin scored the tying goal with 54 seconds left and then the overtime marker in Canada’s stunning 3-2 victory over the United States to win the Olympic gold medal in 2014.
It’s a topic she doesn’t tire talking about.
“What I remember most is the girls jumping on the ice and celebrating together,” Poulin said. “That game was a reflection of our year. We had been losing all year, but we never lost hope… I feel if I ever want to write a fairy tale, I will be able to write one now.”
Spooner was helping open the gates and giving advice to the Atom girls on Friday.
“It was great to see the little girls out there having fun,” Spooner said. “Growing up I went to a lot of hockey schools and it helped develop my skills and get me where I am today.
“I think these girls have a great opportunity here. I know Meaghan had a great plan for them on the ice. I am sure they learned a lot and are ready for next season.”
There were approximately 106 players participating in this year OFHD camp this season.
